New York, United Nations General Assembly : The world watched as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took center stage at the United Nations General Assembly on Friday. With a dramatic flair, Netanyahu presented two maps of the Middle East, each telling a starkly different story.
A Tale of Two Maps
Netanyahu held up two maps: one colored black, depicting Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Yemen, which he labeled a “curse,” and another colored green, showing countries like Egypt, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, and even India, which he called a “blessing.” The green map notably included India, highlighting the growing ties between the two nations.
Palestine’s Absence
A striking omission in both maps was Palestine. Netanyahu’s address made no mention of Palestine, focusing instead on the threats posed by Iran and its allies. He accused Tehran of supporting Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas in Gaza, and the Houthis in Yemen, stating, “We are defending ourselves from Iran-backed fighters.”
A Stern Warning to Iran
Netanyahu issued a stern warning to Iran: “If you attack us, we will attack you. Israel can access the entire Middle East if necessary.” He justified Israel’s military actions in Gaza and Lebanon, emphasizing that as long as Hezbollah pursues war, Israel has no choice but to eliminate the threat.
Surprising Allies
The inclusion of Saudi Arabia and Egypt in the green “blessing” map was surprising to many. Last October, a peace agreement between these countries, brokered by the United States, marked a significant shift in regional dynamics. Netanyahu also highlighted the strong relationship between Israel and India, which has flourished under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, despite India’s historical support for Palestine’s international identity.
Netanyahu’s address was a powerful statement of Israel’s stance in the Middle East, underscoring the nation’s determination to defend itself and its alliances. The visual impact of the two maps left a lasting impression on the assembly, signaling a clear message to both allies and adversaries.
